The Master List: The Best Things to Do in Dallas This Weekend, December 16-18

There are plenty of holiday activities for the younger set, and why shouldn't there be? The holidays are for kids and kids love giant Christmas trees, gingerbread house villages and Santa's temporary home away from home - the mall. But we're too old to enjoy winter wonderlands and sit in Santa's lap, not that we'd want to sit there anyway. We still get in the holiday spirit though, and there's no better way to celebrate the season than with a holiday-themed burlesque show.

Atomic Frolic 2011: A Red Hot Christmas is a tastefully tasseled collection of performances by La Divina, Ruby Joule, Melissa Meow, Jole Goodnight, Apple Angel and newcomer Scarlett Moon. You'll see new routines and plenty of festive costumes and pasties, sure to bring you as much holiday cheer as the kids get when they see Santa.

Before you unwrap presents next week, see this group of lovely ladies unwrap even better gifts on stage tonight at The Kessler Theater. The Kessler opens and begins serving food and drinks at 7, theater doors open at 8 and the show begins at 9 p.m. Tickets are $23 plus a $2 service fee on prekindle.com and $30 at the door. VIP tables for four are available for $132. Visit ladivinaburlesque.com for more information.

ATTPAC

The Second City Dysfunctional Holiday Revue Friday, December 16, and Saturday, December 17, at AT&T Performing Arts Center If you want to get a gig on Saturday Night Live, your best bet is to enroll in one of The Second City's improv or acting classes. John Belushi, Chris Farley, Mike Myers, Rachel Dratch and Tina Fey are among the SNL alumni who are also graduates of the theatre's training program, which also boasts a number of other famous grads you'll recognize. The Second City hosts comedy shows at its theatres in Chicago, Hollywood and Toronto, and they also have a touring company, which is coming to Dallas for three performances at ATTPAC this weekend. The Second City Dysfunctional Holiday Revue features sketch comedy and improv, but don't think it'll be lame like that Jessica Simpson and Nick Lachey holiday variety show. Expect skits along the lines of couples therapy with Mary and Joseph and a gift exchange between girlfriend and her oblivious boyfriend. See the future stars of network television at 7:30 p.m. tonight or Saturday. There's also a 10:30 p.m. show Saturday. Tickets are $25 to $40 on attpac.org.

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Dolly Python 6th Anniversary Block Party Saturday, December 17, at Dolly Python Six years ago, one of the best destinations for vintage clothing, accessories, art and gifts opened on N. Haskell, and we're still in awe of the 3,800 square feet of coolness every time we visit. Dolly Python is celebrating six years in business with an anniversary block party tomorrow. Stop by to browse vintage goods at the store and inside Vintagemobile, which will be on site from noon to 4 p.m. DJ Hammertimez and DJ Clint Phillips will spin music, and there are kegs and a full bar from 4 to 10 p.m. Neighboring businesses The Hair Planet and Smoke and Mirrors Art Gallery will also be participating in the party. Admission is free, but you won't leave the store empty-handed. Visit Dolly Python's Facebook page for more information.

Grapevine Vintage Railroad

Grapevine Vintage Railroad: The North Pole Express Friday, December 16, through Sunday, December 18, at Grapevine Vintage Railroad The kids are home and probably growing restless, but there are only so many craft projects to do and episodes of Maury to watch before they're going to want something more. Grapevine Vintage Railroad is hosting The North Pole Express, a special train ride for kids complete with a visit from Santa himself. Before kids and their parents board the train, they're treated to a live holiday performance and activities including ornament decorating. In addition to Old St. Nick, carolers will be singing holiday classics on the train. Kids will get hot chocolate and a special gift as well. Board The North Pole Express this weekend or Monday through Wednesday next week. Tickets are $18 for adults and children, free for children 2 and under. See the complete schedule and buy tickets at gvrr.com.

Elf Sunday, December 18, at J. Erik Jonsson Central Library Modern holiday films aren't always really about the holidays themselves. Love Actually, which has quietly managed to become every woman's favorite holiday film for some reason, isn't about Christmas really; it's about Hugh Grant trying to bed his secretary and Collin Firth falling for a housekeeper who doesn't speak English. Sure, Elf has some romance in it, but producers know you can't play the romance card first when you've got Will Ferrell as the star. Ferrell plays Buddy, an oversized elf who leaves the North Pole to find his father in New York and ends up bringing the spirit of Christmas to his family and friends. Yeah, sounds corny, but Ferrell makes it funny. See Elf for free in the 2nd Floor Children's Center at J. Erik Jonsson Library at 2 p.m. Sunday. Visit dallaslibrary2.com.